Charlottetown, PE – The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Hayley Wickenheiser as the virtual keynote speaker for 2020 Small Business Week. This Small Business Week event is sponsored by RBC and will take place virtually on Thursday, October 22nd at 6:30 p.m..

A four time Olympic Gold Medalist and 2019 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee, Wickenheiser is considered to be one of the “Greatest Female Athletes in the History of Sports” being recognized by Sports Illustrated, Women’s Sports Foundation, Globe and Mail and QMI Agency. Wickenheiser’s accomplishments off the ice are just as immeasurable as she has matched her passion for hockey with a passion for giving back to the community through organizations like Jumpstart, KidSport, Project North and Right to Play.

In March 2020, as the world devolved into uncertainty during the pandemic, Hayley teamed up with a Toronto-based not-for-profit – CONQUER COVID-19 – to lead an equipment drive for personal protective equipment for front-line healthcare workers, quickly making her known as not only a hockey legend, but also a Canadian hero.

“RBC is deeply committed to supporting and celebrating small businesses, and at no time is this more important than during Small Business Week,” said Janice McNutt-Lanctin, RBC’s Regional Vice President, Eastern N.B. and P.E.I. “Hayley Wickenheiser is a Canadian icon, and we are proud to work with the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce to bring this special opportunity to Islanders.”

In addition to the keynote by Hayley Wickenheiser, the Chamber’s Small Business Week will include a Business Builder panel and discussion on Tuesday October 20th featuring local businesses sharing their COVID-19 adaptation stories, and the pivotal operational changes made to help their customers and communities. On Wednesday October 21st , in partnership with Ocean 100 and Hot 105.5, the Chamber will put the spotlight on businesses through an all day Love Local, PEI Business Marathon.

“We’re pleased to announce this line-up of events for the 2020 Small Business Week,” said Colin Younker, President of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce. “This has been an incredibly challenging year for many of our members and while activities may look a little different, it’s important to take the time to connect with members and recognize the vital role small businesses plays in our Island’s economy.”

Registration for Hayley Wickenheiser’s Virtual Keynote Address opens on Wednesday, October 7. The registration fee is $25 +HST and can be purchased online at www.charlottetownchamber.com, by calling the Chamber at 902-628-2000 or by emailing chamber@insighttestsite.com. Additional programming information can be found at www.charlottetownchamber.com

The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce 2020 Small Business Week would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and partners; RBC, WorkPEI, Ocean 100 &  Hot 105.5, ACOA and Innovation PEI.

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